Scientist I - In Vitro Pharmacology

Novo Nordisk•Lexington, MA

About The Position

The Scientist I will be responsible for strategy implementation and operations for conducting and summarizing pre-clinical in vitro studies internally and externally in the support of RNAi discovery. Design, coordinate, and report pre-clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vitro experiments within research projects as part of target validation, target maturation, or mode-of-action studies. Develop and improve in vitro models supporting pre-clinical studies, take an active role in research projects, and contribute to innovation by identifying and exploring new therapeutic targets and principles. Communicate evaluations and implications of in vitro data internally, externally, and in regulatory submissions as relevant. Occasionally demonstrates subject matter expertise. Perceived as area specialist within one or several processes across a VP/CVP area. Often sets directions and deliver results in own role which have a significant impact within the context of a wider operational area. Applies subject matter knowledge to solve common business issues. Handles most situations independently and with routine, receives minimal guidance, but will seek advice and guidance on more complex issues. Demonstrated ability to identify better practice and create improvements in methods, techniques, approaches etc. Might be entirely independent or just need occasional guidance from manager/senior colleagues and may mentor/coach more junior colleagues. Hands-on work involving highly complex activities; may lead experiment teams comprising colleagues from different areas to support project goals; provides guidance regarding experimental strategies; responsible for setting study timelines to meet project deliverables, communicating study updates, & data generation, analyses, & reporting; may represent team or project at external conference; responsible for drafting reports & protocols with limited assistance from supervisor beyond reviews; may actively participate in external collaborations; may recommend targets or new biologies or methodologies. May mentor or directly supervise less experienced team members based on business need, skill, and/or interest.

Requirements

BS/BA Degree with 6+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 4+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with limited to no experience
Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is essential (e.g., mammalian cell culture; cell-based assays; quantitative real-time PCR)
Experience with tissue-targeting approaches, such as ligand–receptor biology, receptor-mediated uptake, tissue biodistribution, and cell-type-specific delivery.
Proficiency in animal handling, dosing, and necropsy is preferred
Ability to perform and interpret experiments rigorously and reliably and to advance projects aggressively towards defined goals is expected
Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to group projects in a team-oriented environment
Innovative and creative; takes initiative.
A true team player with a high degree of energy and a passion for contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics

Responsibilities

Conduct and summarize pre-clinical in vitro/in vivo studies
siRNA drug candidate screening, hit identification, and lead optimization
In vivo drug candidate testing (e.g., mouse dosing; sample analysis)
Design/conduct experiment to understand the mechanism of siRNA
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations of studies
Summarize and communicate findings internally and externally
Identify and explore new therapeutic targets and principles
Stay updated on advancements in the field of RNAi and biology
Develop and optimize tissue-targeting strategies for siRNA therapeutics
Evaluate and select targeting ligands, delivery technologies, to enable efficient delivery to the intended tissue and cell type
Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to assess tissue distribution, cellular uptake, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic response
Work closely with colleagues in other departments, such as Research and Development
Engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment on study objectives and deliverables
Collaborate with scientists and researchers to integrate findings into drug discovery and development processes
Translate scientific findings into actionable insights to further optimizing siRNA platforms.
Analyze and interpret data from studies to generate meaningful insights
Communicate the implications of data to internal and external stakeholders
Stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in siRNA screening and relevant biology
Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills
Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement